OBU History Honor Society Views Napoleon Art

May 10, 2007

Napoleon Bonaparte’s distinguished black hat set him apart on the battlefield as an unforgettable figure in history.

This hat also helped distinguish the Napoleon Bonaparte exhibit in the Oklahoma City Museum of Art as an ‘informative and delightful experience’ for Oklahoma Baptist University’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta.

“Containing more than 250 artifacts, the collection included paintings, documents, clothing, and furniture that brought the extraordinary French general and emperor to life,” said April Harden, a junior from Ponca City, Okla.

OBU’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society, dedicates a trip each year to visit a location or exhibit of historic interest.

As a national organization, Phi Alpha Theta promotes the study of history through the encouragement of research, teaching, publication and the exchange of learning. OBU’s chapter strives to accomplish just that in their yearly historical activities outside of the classroom.

“The Napoleon exhibit left a week and a half after we went, but the Museum of Art still holds exhibits that would interest OBU students,” said Harden. “The museum is too close and rewarding for OBU students to not take advantage of it.”

The Museum of Art features exhibits like the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit, photos and prints from the 19th and 20th centuries and an Oklahoma centennial celebration exhibit this summer.

“The glass exhibit was very cool and I wish I could own a piece,” said Heather Johnson, a senior from Burlington, Okla. “I really would encourage people to attend the Art Museum and take advantage of the exhibits that come to the museum in Oklahoma City.”

Phi Alpha Theta is open to all students who have completed 12 hours of history with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.